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Chile to meet Portugal if Australia draw

Martin Rodriguez rescued a 1-1 draw for Chile against Australia on
Sunday to send the South American champions through to a Confederations
Cup semi-final against Portugal.

James Troisi steered Australia ahead on 42 minutes in Moscow, but
Chile replied through half-time substitute Rodriguez on 67 minutes to
advance as Group B runners-up behind Germany.

Germany progressed as group winners following a 3-1 victory over
Cameroon in Sochi, with the world champions to face Mexico for a place
in the July 2 final in Saint Petersburg.

Chile’s coach insisted they had not underestimated Australia after Troisi gave the Socceroos a shock lead.

“In fact that could have been a quarter-final in the World Cup, such was the level of this game,” said Juan Antonio Pizzi.

“We are happy to reach the semi-finals and reach that aim. Now we must refocus on our next ambition.”

Australia coach Ange Postecoglou regretted missed opportunities as they bow out of the Confed Cup after two draws and a defeat.

“We wanted to get out of the group and we haven’t, so we are disappointed,” said Postecoglou.

“They (Chile) are a world class team, a fantastic team, and have played some of the best teams in the world off the park.

“We needed energy to face that and the guys who came in did a great job.

“From my perspective, it was a great performance.”

Veteran forward Tim Cahill collected his 100th international cap at
Spartak Stadium, joining long-serving former goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer
(109) as the only other Australia player to reach the landmark.

Alexis Sanchez went tumbling to ground early on following a
last-ditch intervention from Mark Milligan, but the video assistant
referee dismissed penalty claims as replays showed a clear touch from
the Australian defender.

Claudio Bravo returned for Chile following a calf injury and the
Manchester City goalkeeper produced a smart block to deny a lunging
Massimo Luongo, although Australia forged ahead on 42 minutes.

A risky pass from Bravo was intercepted inside the Chile half,
allowing Robbie Kruse to steer the ball across the face of the box to an
unmarked Troisi who clipped over the advancing keeper.

Arturo Vidal nearly replied instantly when his stooping header was
blocked on the line by Milligan with the rebound eluding Jose
Fuenzalida.

Australian centre-back Trent Sainsbury missed a glorious chance for a
second goal before the break, lashing wildly over on the volley after
Chile’s defence momentarily switched off.

But the introduction of Rodriguez and Pablo Hernandez at half-time
proved crucial as Chile levelled midway through the second half.

Eduardo Vargas beat his marker to a looping ball in the area,
knocking down into the path of Rodriguez who smuggled the ball beyond
Matt Ryan for his first international goal.

Vargas headed fractionally wide after Sanchez had escaped down the
left and picked out his striking partner, while Jamie MacLaren miscued
badly in front of Bravo after a brilliant delivery from Troisi before
the contest gradually petered out.